BOROUGHBRIDGE rider Paul Mulrennan wept tears of joy in the winner’s enclosure after Mecca’s Angel swept to glory in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York Racecourse.

The jockey, who came back from serious injury to re-establish himself as one of the north’s leading horsemen after spending seven months out with a broken leg four years ago, claimed his first Group 1 victory after his filly beat Acapulco by two lengths.

The Michael Dods-trained four-year-old, once a former handicapper, wore down the short-priced American favourite to give Mulrennan the biggest victory of his career.

Visibly emotional as the filly paraded in front of the packed grandstands, the rider was struck by the huge reception he and Mecca’s Angel received as he returned to dismount.

“It’s unbelievable,” Mulrennan said of the victory. “It makes it extra special – all the hard work, all the driving, the riding out and the sweating.

“I was here when Frankel won (the Juddmonte International in 2012) and I don’t think he got a reception like her.

“It’s great for Yorkshire.”

The race went off ten minutes late after Take Cover escaped from the stalls and was withdrawn but despite being on her toes, it seemed to have little effect on Acapulco.

Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr was always prominent and looked to press on from the front inside the final furlong but Mecca’s Angel (15-2) unleashed a furious turn of foot to chase her down.

Mulrennan added: "She (Acapulco) gave me a real good run for my money, but this filly is so good when she gets a tow into the race.

"That's my first Group 1 winner and to do it at York is special. It's great for Michael, too.

"It's very special to do it here, it's our local track and we've told people all year how good she is. She's proved she's the real deal when she can get her toe in.

"I got a great lead off the American horse, I always had my eye on her.

"I think my filly would stay six furlongs. I've just said to Michael it's a pity the July Cup is in the summer because if there's any juice in the ground that's the race for her.

"Because the American horse had such a low weight I didn't want to give too much rope. To do it here, the place I lost my claim, and for Michael, who has been a big supporter, is extra special."